Live from the Grand Princess - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

JulShut · 08-03-2009, 07:12 AM

Hi everyone. We're finally on board and enjoying the second leg of our holiday. I don't know how often I'll be able to update you as it takes forever to get to the posting stage and Princess charge quite a bit!

Embarkation was a breeze. As we stood saying goodbye to relatives and lovely man came up to us with a trolley and took our cases. We walked up to the departure lounge and peered in at the queue. We were about to leave and sit outside when a lady from Princess approached us. She had seen Mum waddling along (both hips and knee replacements - my kids call Mum the Penguin) and she directed us to the priority line. No waiting! Handed over our docs then straight on board.

Got to our wonderful cabin and within 5 minutes our cases were there. Amazing! Our room is surprisingly spacious and having the balcony is such a bonus. Met a lovely lady from England - went dancing first night and MUTS last night. It was very cold but being wrapped in blankets and drinking hot chocolate was very welcome.

We're finally seeing some sun now - the weather is improving.

First port tomorrow - Malaga.

Julie

Char · 08-03-2009, 08:10 AM

Hey Julie!

It's good to hear from you....especially that you got off to such a grand (pun intended) start on your cruise!

Those balconies are wonderful to have your own little piece of deck space without the crowding. Is mum enjoying the balcony?

I'll be watching for another episode.

For the benefit of your readers here, please recap the itinerary for them.

MD11F · 08-03-2009, 12:53 PM

Julie, cold in August? Have a blast.

sue miller · 08-03-2009, 12:58 PM

Hi Julie

I am so glad all went well, I love Princess

Hope it warms up for you. Thanks for taking the time to post

Lanky Lad · 08-03-2009, 04:51 PM

Hi Julie, I hope you have a great time. Malaga is a lovely port. I hope the weather is good for you. I think it should be, it's been very hot and dry in Spain lately.

cruisin' chick · 08-03-2009, 10:56 PM

Can't wait to hear more. Have fun.

JulShut · 08-05-2009, 11:31 AM

Hi again. Malaga was wonderful. Nice & warm. We had a horse and buggy ride around to see the sights and it was magic! Today we went to Cartegena and shared a taxi with a lady who's also travelling with her Mum. Taxi driver said he didn't speak much English but I think he did really well. One minute the temperature was a lovely 30 degrees then it shot up to 36. By 2.00pm they're expecting 40! (I have to be careful what I wish for)

Tomorrow is Barcelona followed by Rome. The next ones I'm not sure of the order but its Monte Carlo, Corsica (Ajaccio) and Gibraltar. I can't remember if there's any others. I've been meeting up with two friends I've made at 9.30pm (after Mum's in bed) we do the quiz (we won the other night!!!) then the casino and finally the nightclub. I fall into bed about 3.00am and then Mum wakes my at 8.00am. This holiday life is exhausting!!

Mum's doing well thanks Char. She has a lot of problems with stairs but there is not usually a very long wait for the lifts so all's well.

The food is absolutely magnificent. Only problem is deciding what not to have!!

Julie

sue miller · 08-05-2009, 01:13 PM

Hi Julie, the horse and buggy sounds wonderful

Awesome ports, glad you are having a great time. Say HI to Mom for us

*Lars* · 08-05-2009, 01:39 PM

Julie, congrats on winning the Quiz!! but please get some more sleep

Char · 08-05-2009, 01:42 PM

Hey Julie!

The weather is cooperating with your wish for warmth!

Yes! Those horse & buggy rides can be very special...no rushing and you are able to see the sites before you drive past them!

Hope the rest of the trip is just as memorable for both of you.